How to Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Posted by Oreo the Labrador on Sun, Jan 8, 2023

A dog is a man’s best friend and it’s easy to see why. Not only are they adorable, but they also make our lives so much more fun. One of the most impressive tricks a dog can learn is the classic ‘play dead’ trick. This trick is sure to impress your friends and family, but it’s also a great way to bond with your pup. So, if you’re looking to teach your dog a new trick, this one is definitely worth considering.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how to teach your dog to play dead. We’ll go over the basics of the trick, what supplies you’ll need, and how to make sure your pup gets the hang of it.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started teaching your pup the ‘play dead’ trick, you’ll need some supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Treats: You’ll need some tasty treats to reward your pup for doing the trick.
  • A Clicker: A clicker can help you communicate with your pup more clearly.
  • A Mat: You’ll need a mat for your pup to lie down on.
  • Patience: Teaching your pup a new trick takes time, so make sure you have plenty of patience!

Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have all the supplies you need, it’s time to get started. Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching your pup the ‘play dead’ trick:

  1. Start by getting your pup comfortable with lying down. Give them the command to ‘lie down’ and reward them with a treat when they do it.

  2. Once your pup has mastered the ‘lie down’ command, add the ‘roll over’ command. Give them the command and reward them with a treat when they do it.

  3. When your pup has mastered the ‘roll over’ command, it’s time to add the ‘play dead’ command. Give them the command and reward them with a treat when they do it.

  4. Once your pup has mastered the ‘play dead’ command, it’s time to add the ‘stay’ command. Give them the command and reward them with a treat when they stay in the ‘play dead’ position.

  5. Finally, it’s time to add the ‘get up’ command. Give them the command and reward them with a treat when they get up.

Tips and Tricks

Now that you know the basics of how to teach your pup the ‘play dead’ trick, here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of it:

  1. Take it slow: Teaching your pup a new trick takes time, so don’t rush it. Give them plenty of time to learn the commands and reward them for small successes.

  2. Be consistent: Make sure you’re consistent with your commands and rewards. This will help your pup learn faster and make the trick easier for them.

  3. Have fun: Training your pup should be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. So make sure to keep it light and enjoyable!


Teaching your pup the ‘play dead’ trick is a great way to bond with them and show off their skills. By following the steps and tips in this blog, you can teach your pup this trick in no time. So get ready to wow your friends and family with your pup’s impressive new trick!